What does eating a plant based diet mean? It means consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes and excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour and refined sugar. People who consider themselves vegetarians, vegans and “flexitarians”, i.e., those who eat meat only occasionally, are following a plant based diet. A plant based diet provides a host of health benefits by preventing and even reversing some of the major diseases striking people today. It is widely recognized that eating less animal-based food (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, etc.) is linked with better overall health and lower levels of inflammation. A plant based diet also assists in the treatment and prevention of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Want to learn more about eating a healthy, plant based diet? Join RVNA Dietitian Meg Whitbeck and Chef Cathy Katin-Grazzini for an informative presentation at the RVNA Nutritional Education Center at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield on Thursday, April 6 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. The April 6 workshop will include a plant based diet presentation, cooking demonstration and tasting. The fee is $23 and the workshop is open to the public. Register by calling RVNA at 203 438-5555 or sign up and pay online with a credit card at www.ridgefieldvna.org.

About RVNA

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a non-medical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.